Bullpup crossbow

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/594,411, filed May 12, 2017, which is a continuation application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/704,619, filed May 5, 2015, which is a continuation application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/480,774, filed May 25, 2012, which claims the benefit of U.S. Patent Application No. 61/489,727, filed May 25, 2011, the entire disclosures of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to bows and crossbows, and more particularly to compact crossbows having a relatively long power stroke.

Crossbows are generally known in the art. Crossbows typically include a bow portion mounted on a stock, as well as a string latch and release mechanism.

A crossbow string can be drawn and held in a drawn condition by the string latch. The distance traversed between the at-rest position of the string and the drawn position is known as the draw length or power stroke. Crossbows having a longer power stroke traditionally have also had a longer overall length. There remains a need for novel crossbow designs that provide benefits over the prior art. There remains a need for shorter crossbows that have a longer power stroke.

All US patents and applications and all other published documents mentioned anywhere in this application are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

Without limiting the scope of the invention a brief summary of some of the claimed embodiments of the invention is set forth below. Additional details of the summarized embodiments of the invention and/or additional embodiments of the invention may be found in the Detailed Description of the Invention below.

A brief abstract of the technical disclosure in the specification is provided as well only for the purposes of complying with 37 C.F.R. 1.72. The abstract is not intended to be used for interpreting the scope of the claims.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In some embodiments, a crossbow comprises a stock and a bow portion comprising at least one limb and a string. A riser attaches said bow portion to the stock. A latch is located in proximity to a butt of the stock. The latch is configured to retain the string in a drawn condition. A trigger is arranged to release the latch. An extension member extends from the butt of the stock to the latch. The extension member and the stock define a cavity, and the latch assembly is oriented within the cavity.

In some embodiments, a crossbow comprises a stock and a bow portion comprising at least one limb and a string. A riser attaches said bow portion to the stock. A latch is located in proximity to a butt of the stock. The latch is configured to retain the string in a drawn condition. A trigger is arranged to release the latch. The butt of the stock comprises a rope guide located at a rear end of the butt. In some embodiments, the rope guide comprises a groove that is aligned with a height of the latch.

In some embodiments, a crossbow comprises a stock and a bow portion comprising at least one limb and a string. A riser attaches said bow portion to the stock. A latch is located in proximity to a butt of the stock. The latch is configured to retain the string in a drawn condition. A trigger is arranged to release the latch. The crossbow defines a sight mounting location. The latch is centered in a lateral direction of the crossbow, and a center of the sight mounting location is offset laterally from the latch.

In some embodiments, a crossbow comprises a string latch positioned substantially below a cheek rest or extension member of the buttstock. In some embodiments, the string latch is partially surrounded by the buttstock and cheek rest.

In some embodiments, a crossbow comprises a compound bow portion having at least one continuous limb that extends continuously between rotatable members of the compound bow portion. In some embodiments, the bow portion comprises a pair of continuous limbs, and the crossbow is arranged to shoot an arrow between the limbs.

In some embodiments, a crossbow comprises a rope cocking guide located at a rear end of the buttstock. In some embodiments, a rope cocking guide comprises a groove that extends into the buttstock.

In some embodiments, a crossbow comprises a centered string latch and a scope rail that is offset left or right from a central axis of a barrel. In some embodiments, a portion of the buttstock is offset left or right from a central axis of the barrel. In some embodiments, a cheek rest is offset left or right from a central axis of a barrel.

These and other embodiments which characterize the invention are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed hereto and forming a part hereof. However, for a better understanding of the invention, its advantages and objectives obtained by its use, reference can be made to the drawings which form a further part hereof and the accompanying descriptive matter, in which there are illustrated and described various embodiments of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A detailed description of the invention is hereafter described with specific reference being made to the drawings.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> shows a side view of an embodiment of a crossbow.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> shows a rear upper perspective view of an embodiment of a crossbow.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> shows a front upper perspective view of an embodiment of a crossbow.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> shows a top view of an embodiment of a crossbow in an undrawn condition.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> shows a top view of an embodiment of a crossbow in a drawn condition.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref> shows a rear quarter perspective view of an embodiment of a crossbow.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref> shows a rear quarter perspective view of another embodiment of a crossbow.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref> shows a side view of another embodiment of a crossbow.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref> shows a front view of an embodiment of a crossbow.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10</figref> shows a side view of an embodiment of an archery bow.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 11</figref> shows a perspective view of an embodiment of an archery bow.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

While this invention may be embodied in many different forms, there are described in detail herein specific embodiments of the invention. This description is an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the particular embodiments illustrated.

For the purposes of this disclosure, like reference numerals in the figures shall refer to like features unless otherwise indicated.

With reference to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1-4</figref>, an embodiment of a crossbow <b>10</b> is shown comprising a bow portion <b>30</b>, a barrel <b>14</b>, a stock <b>16</b>, a latch <b>20</b> and a trigger <b>24</b>. The bow portion <b>30</b> desirably comprises at least one limb <b>34</b> and a string <b>42</b>. The string <b>42</b> is generally pulled back using applied force, which stores energy in the bow portion <b>30</b> (e.g. the limb <b>34</b>), and the string is retained in a cocked position by the latch <b>20</b> (<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 5 and 6</figref> show a crossbow <b>10</b> in a cocked orientation). A release mechanism such as the trigger <b>24</b> will release the string <b>42</b> from the latch <b>20</b>, which will allow the crossbow <b>10</b> to fire an arrow or bolt.

An end of the stock <b>16</b> comprises a butt <b>17</b>, which is typically placed in contact with the shooter to brace the crossbow <b>10</b> during a shot. Desirably, the string latch <b>20</b> is located close to the butt <b>17</b> of the stock <b>16</b>. Locating the latch <b>20</b> close to the butt <b>17</b> helps to maximize power stroke. Desirably, the latch <b>20</b> is located 6″ or less from a rear end <b>12</b> of the crossbow <b>10</b>. In some embodiments, the latch <b>20</b> is located 4″ or less from the rear end <b>12</b>. Desirably, a distance between the latch <b>20</b> and the rear end <b>12</b> is less than a distance between the latch <b>20</b> and the trigger <b>24</b>. Desirably, a distance between the latch <b>20</b> and the rear end <b>12</b>, as measured in a direction parallel to a central axis of the barrel <b>14</b> (e.g. distance <b>80</b> in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>), is less than a distance between the latch <b>20</b> and the trigger <b>24</b> as measured in a direction parallel to a central axis of the barrel <b>14</b> (e.g. distance <b>82</b> in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>). In some embodiments, the latch <b>20</b> is located in the first half of a distance from the butt <b>17</b> to the trigger <b>24</b> as measured in a direction parallel to a central axis of the barrel <b>14</b> (e.g. distance <b>80</b> in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> can be half of distance <b>84</b> or less). In some embodiments, the latch <b>20</b> is located in the first third of a distance from the butt <b>17</b> to the trigger <b>24</b> as measured in a direction parallel to a central axis of the barrel <b>14</b> (e.g. distance <b>80</b> in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> can be one-third of distance <b>84</b> or less).

The trigger <b>24</b> communicates with the latch <b>20</b> via a trigger mechanism (not shown). Trigger mechanisms are generally known in the art. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,884,614 to Darlington and U.S. Pat. No. 4,693,228 to Simonds each disclose suitable trigger mechanisms, and are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

Desirably, the trigger <b>24</b> is located 5″ to 12″ forward of the latch <b>20</b> (e.g. distance <b>82</b> in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> desirably ranges from 5″ to 12″). In some embodiments, the trigger <b>24</b> is located 8″ to 11″ forward of the latch <b>20</b>. In some embodiments, the trigger <b>24</b> is located 9″ to 10″ forward of the latch <b>20</b>.

In some embodiments, the trigger <b>24</b> is located approximately 12″ to 14″ forward of the rear end <b>12</b> of the crossbow <b>10</b> (e.g. distance <b>84</b> in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> can be 12″ to 14″). In some embodiments, the trigger <b>24</b> is located approximately 13″ forward of the rear end <b>12</b> of the crossbow <b>10</b>.

Although specific distances have been described with respect to distances <b>80</b>, <b>82</b>, <b>84</b> in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>, the latch <b>20</b> and trigger <b>24</b> can have any suitable orientation with respect to one another, and each can have any suitable orientation with respect to the rear end <b>12</b> of the crossbow <b>10</b>.

In some embodiments, the crossbow <b>10</b> comprises an extension member <b>48</b> that extends over the latch <b>20</b>. The extension member <b>48</b> is desirably structurally attached to the stock <b>16</b>. In some embodiments, the extension member <b>48</b> comprises an extension of the butt <b>17</b> or the stock <b>16</b>. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the extension member <b>48</b> extends over a portion of the barrel <b>14</b>. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the extension member <b>48</b> comprises a cantilever member that extends over a portion of the barrel <b>14</b>. Desirably, the extension member <b>48</b> extends over the latch <b>20</b>. In some embodiments, a portion of the extension member <b>48</b> oriented over the latch <b>20</b> comprises a cantilever. Desirably the extension member <b>48</b> comprises a mount for various accessories or other portions of the crossbow <b>10</b>, such as a cheek rest <b>50</b>, accessory mount <b>60</b>, etc.

In some embodiments, the crossbow <b>10</b> comprises a cheek rest <b>50</b>. A cheek rest <b>50</b> can be permanent or removable. In some embodiments, the cheek rest comprises a pad. In some embodiments, a cheek rest <b>50</b> is supported by the extension member <b>48</b>. In some embodiments, the cheek rest <b>50</b> is a unitary portion of the extension member <b>48</b>.

Desirably, at least a portion of the cheek rest <b>50</b> is oriented above the latch <b>20</b> (e.g. directly above the latch <b>20</b>). Desirably, a cheek rest <b>50</b> is oriented with respect to the butt <b>17</b> such that a shooter's cheek can easily rest against the cheek rest <b>50</b> when the crossbow <b>10</b> is held with the butt <b>17</b> braced against the shooter's body (e.g. shoulder). In some embodiments, the cheek rest <b>50</b> extends rearward to the rear end <b>12</b> of the crossbow <b>10</b>. In some embodiments, the cheek rest <b>50</b> extends forward of the latch <b>20</b>.

In some embodiments, the latch <b>20</b> is at least partially surrounded by the cheek rest <b>50</b>, butt <b>17</b> and stock <b>16</b> portions of the crossbow <b>10</b>. In some embodiments, the latch <b>20</b> is at least partially surrounded by the cheek rest <b>50</b>, butt <b>17</b> and a portion of the barrel <b>14</b> (e.g. rear portion). In some embodiments, the latch <b>20</b> is at least partially surrounded by the extension member <b>48</b>, butt <b>17</b> and stock <b>16</b> portions of the crossbow <b>10</b>. In some embodiments, the latch <b>20</b> is at least partially surrounded by the extension member <b>48</b>, butt <b>17</b> and a portion of the barrel <b>14</b> (e.g. rear portion). In some embodiments, the stock <b>16</b> and extension member <b>48</b> define a cavity <b>58</b>. In some embodiments, a rear portion of the barrel <b>14</b> and the extension member <b>48</b> define a cavity <b>58</b>. In some embodiments, the latch <b>20</b> is located in the cavity <b>58</b>.

In some embodiments, a lowest portion of the extension member <b>48</b> oriented above or in front of the latch <b>20</b> is located at a height above the latch <b>20</b>. For example, the cavity <b>58</b> can extend forward of the latch <b>20</b>. This helps to ensure that the extension member <b>48</b> will not interfere with the string <b>42</b>.

In some embodiments, the extension member <b>48</b> comprises a front guide portion <b>64</b> that can help guide the string <b>42</b> toward the latch <b>20</b> during draw, should the string <b>42</b> contact the extension member <b>48</b>. In some embodiments, the front guide portion <b>64</b> comprises a straight edge that extends nonparallel to an axis of the barrel <b>14</b>. In some embodiments, a front guide portion <b>64</b> can include curvature.

In some embodiments, a cheek rest <b>50</b> comprises an overhanging portion <b>52</b> that overhangs a portion of the barrel <b>14</b> and/or a portion of the stock <b>16</b>. In some embodiments, the cheek rest <b>50</b> is wider than the stock <b>16</b>. An overhanging portion <b>52</b> can be located on either side of the crossbow <b>10</b>. An overhanging portion <b>52</b> located on the left side of the crossbow <b>10</b> will be suitable for a right-handed shooter, and vice versa. In some embodiments, a cheek rest <b>50</b> comprises an overhanging portion <b>52</b> on both the right and left sides, allowing use by both right-handed and left-handed shooters. In some embodiments, the cheek rest <b>50</b> is symmetrical across a vertical plane that passes through the barrel <b>14</b> axis.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> shows a top view of an embodiment of a crossbow <b>10</b> in a cocked orientation. This view illustrates how an overhanging portion <b>52</b> of the cheek rest <b>50</b> can act as a barrier between a shooter's face and the string <b>42</b>, thereby helping to prevent the string <b>42</b> from contacting the shooter's face inadvertently. The overhanging portion <b>52</b> can also help to prevent the string <b>42</b> from contacting long facial hair of the shooter.

The cheek rest <b>50</b> is desirably located at least one inch above the latch <b>20</b>. In some embodiments, the cheek rest <b>50</b> is located anywhere from one-half inch above the latch <b>20</b> to more than 3″ above the latch <b>20</b>. In some embodiments, the cheek rest <b>50</b> is located approximately 2″ above the latch <b>20</b>.

The cheek rest <b>50</b> can have any suitable length. In some embodiments, the cheek rest <b>50</b> has a length of 6″ to 8″.

In some embodiments, a lowest portion of the cheek rest <b>50</b> is located at a height above the latch <b>20</b>. For example, the lowest portion of an overhanging portion <b>52</b> is located at a height above the height of the latch <b>20</b>. This provides clearance for the string <b>42</b> and archer during cocking, and prevents the cheek rest <b>50</b> from interfering with a cocking operation. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref> shows a rear perspective view where the clearance can be seen.

In some embodiments, a rear arrow retention spring <b>26</b> is located in proximity to the latch <b>20</b>. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the rear arrow retention spring <b>26</b> is located under a cheek rest <b>50</b>. In some embodiments, the rear arrow retention spring <b>26</b> is supported by structure that supports the cheek rest <b>50</b>, for example being supported by the extension member <b>48</b>.

In some embodiments, the extension member <b>48</b> defines an accessory mounting location <b>60</b>. In some embodiments, the extension member comprises an accessory mount <b>61</b> configured to receive standardized accessories, such as a Picatinny rail or tactical rail. Any suitable accessory, such as sights, optics, lights, etc., can be mounted at the accessory mounting location <b>60</b>. Desirably, the accessory mounting location <b>60</b> is oriented forward of a cheek rest <b>50</b> and at a height above the cheek rest <b>50</b>, which allows for sights/scopes to be properly placed at eye level when a shooter's face contacts the cheek rest <b>50</b>.

In some embodiments, the butt <b>17</b> or rear stock <b>16</b> defines an aperture <b>22</b> that extends through the butt <b>17</b> in a direction parallel to the axis of the barrel <b>14</b> (See e.g. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 2 and 6</figref>). Desirably, at least a portion of the aperture <b>22</b> is aligned with the latch <b>20</b> in a longitudinal direction of the crossbow <b>10</b>. In some embodiments, the butt <b>17</b> comprises a U-shaped member that defines a large aperture <b>22</b>.

In some embodiments, the butt <b>17</b> comprises a continuous rear surface. In some embodiments, the butt <b>17</b> defines at least one rope guide <b>23</b>. In some embodiments, a rope guide <b>23</b> comprises at least one groove in the buttstock <b>17</b>. Desirably, the groove is of a sufficient depth and shape to securely retain a cocking rope. In some embodiments, a rope guide <b>23</b> extends into the rear end <b>12</b> of the crossbow <b>10</b>. Desirably, the rope guides <b>23</b> are located at a height that is aligned with the latch <b>20</b> in a longitudinal direction of the crossbow <b>10</b> (e.g. aligned with an arrow shooting plane). The rope guides <b>23</b> will help to hold a cocking rope in proper alignment with the latch <b>20</b> during a string <b>42</b> drawing operation. In some embodiments, a rope guide <b>23</b> is located in a middle portion of the height of the rear end <b>12</b> of the butt <b>17</b>. In some embodiments, a rope guide <b>23</b> is substantially centered midway up the height of the rear end <b>12</b> of the butt <b>17</b>. In some embodiments, a rope guide <b>23</b> is located between the midpoint and upper quarter of the height of the rear end <b>12</b> of the butt <b>17</b>.

The bow portion <b>30</b> can comprise any suitable bow arrangement, for example comprising a recurve bow portion, a compound bow portion, etc. A compound bow portion will be more complicated, but will provide for reduced string <b>42</b> hold-back force, thus reducing loads on the latch <b>20</b> and wear on the string <b>42</b>. A compound bow portion can comprise any suitable type of compound bow arrangement, such as single cam, two-cam, 1.5/hybrid/CPS cam, etc. A compound bow portion can further comprise a dual-sync arrangement as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,990,970, or a force vectoring anchor arrangement as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 8,020,544. The entire disclosures of U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,990,970, 8,020,544 and US 2010/0000504 are hereby incorporated herein by reference.

A compound bow portion typically includes a first rotatable member <b>36</b> and a second rotatable member <b>38</b>. At least one of said rotatable members <b>36</b>, <b>38</b> comprises a cam. In some embodiments, one of said rotatable members <b>36</b>, <b>38</b> can be a pulley, for example in the case of a single cam bow. In some embodiments, each of said rotatable members <b>36</b>, <b>38</b> comprises a cam. In some embodiments, the rotatable members <b>36</b>, <b>38</b> are geometrically similar in shape. In some embodiments, a second rotatable member <b>38</b> comprises a mirror image of a first rotatable member <b>36</b>.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1-6</figref> show a bow portion <b>30</b> that comprises a dual-cam compound bow. As such, each rotatable member <b>36</b>, <b>38</b> comprises a cam, and the bow portion <b>30</b> comprises two power cables <b>40</b>, wherein each power cable <b>40</b> is taken up by a cam as the string <b>42</b> is drawn. The string <b>42</b> desirably extends from the first rotatable member <b>36</b> to the second rotatable member <b>38</b>.

With reference to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 2 and 3</figref>, desirably the crossbow <b>10</b> comprises a riser <b>32</b> that attaches the limb(s) <b>34</b> to the crossbow <b>10</b>, for example attaching to a front portion of the stock <b>16</b>, to the barrel <b>14</b>, or another suitable portion of the crossbow <b>10</b>. In some embodiments, the riser <b>32</b> is attached to the crossbow <b>10</b> by a rigid moment connection. In some embodiments, the riser <b>32</b> is attached to a limb <b>34</b> by a rigid moment connection.

In some embodiments, a bow portion <b>30</b> comprises at least one limb <b>34</b> that extends continuously from the first rotatable member <b>36</b> to the second rotatable member <b>38</b>. In some embodiments, the bow portion <b>30</b> comprises a second limb <b>34</b><i>b </i>that extends continuously between the rotatable members <b>36</b>, <b>38</b>. In some embodiments, a first continuous limb <b>34</b> is identical to a second continuous limb <b>34</b><i>b. </i>

In some embodiments, the rotatable members <b>36</b>, <b>38</b> are oriented between a first continuous limb <b>34</b> and a second continuous limb <b>34</b><i>b</i>. For example, in some embodiments, an axle <b>35</b> can extend between the first limb <b>34</b> and second limb <b>34</b><i>b</i>, and the rotatable member <b>36</b> can be supported on the axle <b>35</b> between the limbs <b>34</b>, <b>34</b><i>b. </i>

In some embodiments, the crossbow <b>10</b> is arranged such that the arrow passes between a first continuous limb <b>34</b> and a second continuous limb <b>34</b><i>b</i>. Desirably, the limbs <b>34</b>, <b>34</b><i>b </i>are spaced to allow an arrow to freely pass between the limbs <b>34</b>, <b>34</b><i>b </i>without contact. In some embodiments, the riser <b>32</b> comprises an aperture for an arrow or bolt to pass through when the crossbow <b>10</b> is fired.

When the bow portion <b>30</b> comprises continuous limb <b>34</b> spanning between the rotatable members <b>36</b>, <b>38</b>, a moment transferring connection is not required between the riser <b>32</b> and limb <b>34</b>, but can be used if desired. Thus, in some embodiments, a continuous limb <b>34</b> can be attached to the crossbow <b>10</b> (e.g. to the riser <b>32</b>) via a single fastener, such as a bolt. As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 2 and 3</figref>, the limbs <b>34</b> are sandwiched between the riser <b>32</b> and a plate <b>33</b>. A plate <b>33</b> can help to distribute loads and can be visually appealing. In some embodiments, a separate plate could be used on each limb <b>34</b>, <b>34</b><i>b</i>. In some embodiments, a single plate <b>33</b> can be used. In some embodiments, a plate <b>33</b> comprises an aperture <b>37</b> for an arrow or bolt to pass through when the crossbow <b>10</b> is fired.

In some embodiments, a continuous limb <b>34</b> can be concave (for example being concave with respect to the latch <b>20</b>). As shown in the Figures (e.g <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 2 and 3</figref>), a continuous limb <b>34</b> can include both concave and convex portions, and can include one or more inflection points.

In some embodiments, the crossbow <b>10</b> comprises a front arrow retention spring <b>27</b>, which is desirably located to help retain an arrow in/on the barrel <b>14</b>. In some embodiments, a front arrow retention spring <b>27</b> is aligned longitudinally with the rotatable members <b>36</b>, <b>38</b> and power cable(s) <b>40</b>. The front arrow retention spring <b>27</b> can attach to any suitable portion of the crossbow <b>10</b>. In some embodiments, the front arrow retention spring <b>27</b> is attached to the riser <b>32</b>.

Desirably, the barrel <b>14</b> defines a central axis that is centered in the crossbow <b>10</b>. Desirably, the latch <b>20</b> is also centered. In some embodiments, the crossbow <b>10</b> comprises a cheek rest <b>50</b> that extends to the left or right beyond the stock <b>16</b> or rear portion of the barrel <b>14</b>. The extended cheek rest <b>50</b> helps to position the shooter's face farther away from the string <b>42</b> during a shot.

In some embodiments, the accessory mounting location <b>60</b> can be offset to the left or right of the barrel <b>14</b> axis. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the extension member <b>48</b> is offset to the left or right of the barrel <b>14</b> axis. In some embodiments, the entire butt <b>17</b>, extension member <b>48</b> and accessory mounting location <b>60</b> can be offset to the left or right of the barrel <b>14</b> axis. These embodiments can have any suitable amount of lateral offset. In some embodiments, the offset ranges from 0.5″ to 2″ or more (e.g. a centerline of <b>60</b>, <b>48</b> and/or <b>17</b> can be offset this far from a center of the crossbow <b>10</b>).

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref> shows an embodiment of a crossbow <b>10</b> having a first buttstock <b>17</b>, first extension member <b>48</b> and first accessory location <b>60</b> offset to the left of center of the crossbow. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref> further shows a second buttstock <b>17</b><i>b</i>, second extension member <b>48</b><i>b </i>and second accessory location <b>60</b><i>b </i>offset to the right of center of the crossbow. The crossbow <b>10</b> shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref> would be suitable for shooting by both left-handed and right-handed shooters. It should be noted that a crossbow <b>10</b> intended only for a right-handed shooter could omit the second buttstock <b>17</b><i>b</i>, second extension member <b>48</b><i>b </i>and second accessory location <b>60</b><i>b</i>, and vice versa. In some other embodiments, a buttstock <b>17</b> and extension member <b>48</b> can be made the collective size of both the first and second buttstocks <b>17</b>, <b>17</b><i>b </i>and the first and second extension members <b>48</b>, <b>48</b><i>b </i>shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref>, and can have a single aperture <b>22</b>.

Referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref>, in some embodiments, a crossbow <b>10</b> comprises a front accessory mounting location <b>66</b>. In some embodiments, a front accessory mounting location <b>66</b> comprises a front accessory mount <b>67</b> configured to receive standardized accessories, such as a Picatinny rail or tactical rail. Any suitable accessory, such as lights, grips, quivers, etc., can be mounted at the front accessory mounting location <b>66</b>.

In some embodiments, a crossbow <b>10</b> comprises a front grip <b>70</b>. In some embodiments, a crossbow <b>10</b> comprises a foot stirrup <b>72</b>. In some embodiments, a stirrup can extend as a slightly downward angle <b>73</b> (see <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>). A stirrup <b>72</b> can further include an offset portion that extends farther downward from the rest of the stirrup <b>72</b> (see e.g. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 3 and 6</figref>).

In some embodiments, a crossbow <b>10</b> comprises a front accessory <b>74</b> that comprises both a shaped grip <b>70</b> and a foot stirrup <b>72</b>. In some embodiments, the shaped grip <b>70</b> comprises a lower flange <b>71</b> to help locate a shooter's hand as they grasp the grip <b>70</b>, and prevent downward migration of the hand. Desirably, the front accessory <b>74</b> is arranged to rotate such that the grip <b>70</b> can be oriented to extend downward for grasping during a shot. The accessory <b>74</b> can be moved such that the stirrup <b>72</b> will be properly oriented for a cocking operation (see position A in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref>). In some embodiments, the accessory <b>74</b> can also be folded into a reduced size/storage configuration (see position B in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref>). In some embodiments, the accessory <b>74</b> can further include a hinge (not shown), for example at location X shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref>, which can allow for a more compact storage position.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref> shows a front view of an embodiment of a crossbow <b>10</b>. This view best illustrates a groove <b>15</b> that desirably extends down a length of the barrel <b>14</b>. Desirably, the groove <b>15</b> is sized such that an arrow or bolt is properly located when placed upon the barrel <b>14</b>. Desirably, the groove <b>15</b> provides clearance for fletching or other stabilizers of an arrow or bolt.

Although this disclosure has focused on crossbow <b>10</b> embodiments, the bow portion <b>30</b> described herein can also be used on traditional archery bows. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 10 and 11</figref> show an embodiment of a bow portion <b>30</b> configured for use as an archery bow <b>11</b>. An archery bow <b>11</b> can comprise a riser <b>88</b> that includes a grip <b>90</b>. In some embodiments, the riser <b>88</b> can also support a string stop <b>92</b>. In some embodiments, the riser <b>88</b> can also support a cable guard <b>94</b>. The archery bow <b>11</b> is configured such that arrows pass between the limbs <b>34</b>, <b>34</b><i>b </i>and an aperture in the riser <b>88</b>.

The above disclosure is intended to be illustrative and not exhaustive. This description will suggest many variations and alternatives to one of ordinary skill in this field of art. All these alternatives and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the claims where the term “comprising” means “including, but not limited to.” Those familiar with the art may recognize other equivalents to the specific embodiments described herein which equivalents are also intended to be encompassed by the claims.

Further, the particular features presented in the dependent claims can be combined with each other in other manners within the scope of the invention such that the invention should be recognized as also specifically directed to other embodiments having any other possible combination of the features of the dependent claims. For instance, for purposes of claim publication, any dependent claim which follows should be taken as alternatively written in a multiple dependent form from all prior claims which possess all antecedents referenced in such dependent claim if such multiple dependent format is an accepted format within the jurisdiction (e.g. each claim depending directly from claim <b>1</b> should be alternatively taken as depending from all previous claims). In jurisdictions where multiple dependent claim formats are restricted, the following dependent claims should each be also taken as alternatively written in each singly dependent claim format which creates a dependency from a prior antecedent-possessing claim other than the specific claim listed in such dependent claim below.

This completes the description of the preferred and alternate embodiments of the invention. Those skilled in the art may recognize other equivalents to the specific embodiment described herein which equivalents are intended to be encompassed by the claims attached hereto.